Wangditse Lhakhang དབང་འདུས་རྩེ་ལྷ་ཁང་།

Wangditse Lhakhang is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan, and visiting it is a peaceful and memorable experience. The temple can be reached via two different hiking trails. I took the Wangditse Nature Trail from the BBS Radio Tower, which turned out to be a gorgeous forest walk with almost continuous views over Thimphu and the surrounding hills. The path is gentle and relaxing, with several perfect spots to stop and take in the scenery. The temple itself sits quietly on a ridge, overlooking the valley below. It has a calming, timeless presence, and its traditional architecture beautifully reflects Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

One Buddhist temple in Thimphu that provides both the senses of travel and pilgrimage. Since it's one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, it underwent a major renovation but kept its original concepts and designs. It can be reached either from Sangaygang viewpoint (lateral trail) or Dechenphodrang Monastery (uphill trail) or from Choekhortse Lhakhang (downhill trail). From anywhere you start, trails are short and well-maintained. Its hilltop location is adorned with so many beautiful Buddhist prayer flags and then never misses to give beautiful bird-eye views of Thimphu, especially the majestic Tashichhoedzong.

To get to the monastery you have to hike for a couple kilometers. It is not complex hiking but the altitude can make it a bit strenuous. But it is worth it. The monastery is gorgeous and the views from the top are amazing - you can get a great overview of Thimphu and in particular of the royal palace

If you are nature lover but have some knee problem than this is for you, you get enjoy every bites of nature without having to walk for long hour. It's an short track with plain walking trail. The track starts from Thimphu view point ( Sangay Gang) and takes around 1 to 2 hour if you are fast walker. As the trail are all plain its possible even with baby on back. You get to have a beautiful view of thimph valley on the way and its so refreshing that you feels staying there forever. ✨️ You give a vist if ur in Thimphu.

Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, and considered an important heritage site of Bhutan. It stands on the ridge overlooking Thimphu valley especially Tashichhodzong. As it is located only a 40-minute walk, the trail is considered one of the easiest hiking routes around Thimphu.

Embarking on my first hike of 2023, I commenced the journey with prayers. Today's destination: Wangditse Lhakhang. I've traversed this trail with children before, and it's easily manageable for even the little ones. I fondly recall my son Sonam completing this hike at the age of 5. The Wangditse hike, a brief 30 minute hike beginning at Sangaygang—a hill adorned with vibrant prayer flags—winds through dense pine vegetation, offering intermittent glimpses of the impressive Thimphu Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Fortress) and the city itself. This hike boasts a gentle incline, suitable even for 5-year-olds. Adding a historical touch, Wangditse Lhakhang holds significance in Bhutanese culture. Dating back centuries, this sacred site has been a destination for pilgrims and locals alike. As I began my inaugural hike of 2023 with prayers, I reflected on the rich history embedded in the trails I tread, knowing that this journey connects me to a cultural tapestry that spans generations. I've shared this experience with my son Sonam, who, at the age of 5, embraced the same path, creating enduring memories rooted in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The hike starts with a short uphill hike until you reach an orchard with some farm houses, after that the trail drops downward passing through the pine and oak trees and rhododendron flowers in bloom (if you happen to travel in Spring and Summer). The trail continues with the view of Thimphu valley till the Wangditse Dzong, a 300 year old fortress which was in ruins but recently renovated to its full glory and splendor overlooking the valley. One can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the magnificent Tashi chho Dzong with its sprawling paddy fields, and in the distance stunning view of the gigantic Buddha Dordenma.

Druk Wangditse Lhakhang("Temple of the Peak of Conquest"),(འབྲུག་དབང་འདུས་རྩེ་ལྷ་ཁང་) is located high on a forested ridge to the south of Tashichho Dzong and overlooks the whole Thimphu valley. It was established in 1715 as the seat of the 8th Druk Desi, Druk Rabgye.